Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Golden Quadrilateral (GQ) is a massive highway network project.
It was launched as part of the National Highways Development Project (NHDP).
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The Golden Quadrilateral connects the four major metropolitan cities of India:
1. Delhi (North)
2. Mumbai (West)
3. Chennai (South)
4. Kolkata (East)
These four hubs form a quadrilateral shape across the map of India.
Key features of this project:
- It involves constructing 4 to 6-lane high-speed corridors.
- Total length of the network is approximately 5,846 km.
- It aims to reduce travel time and distance between these mega-cities.
- It facilitates the rapid movement of goods, boosting industrial development and national trade.
Option (A) refers to National Waterways.
Option (C) refers to Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs).
Option (D) refers to river projects like Bhakra Nangal or Damodar Valley.
Since the GQ is explicitly a highway project, Option (B) is correct.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The Golden Quadrilateral connects Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata via highways.
The correct answer is (B).